City of Doral Parks & Recreation Department
Highlights from Winter 15-16
Holiday Lights & Ice
Camping Under the Stars
Youth Basketball
Employee of the Month
Silver Club Trips & Tours
& Much More!
Holiday Lights & Ice Event
Parks & Recreation Department
Phone Number 305-593-6600 Fax Number 305-593-6615 IN THIS ISSUE
Barbara Hernandez SIGNATURE EVENTS Parks & Recreation Director 4
Lazaro Quintero CULTURAL EVENTS Assistant Parks & Recreation Director 5
Erin Weislow OTHER EVENTS Recreation Administrator 6
Ashley Barcena SILVER CLUB Administrative Assistant to the Parks & 7 Recreation Director Youth & Adult Sports Meaghan Garcia 8 Accounting Clerk YOUTH PROGRAMS Jessica Roth 9 Special Events Coordinator SPECIAL NEEDS Amy Miller 10 Events Specialist
Steven Diaz 11 EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Recreation Programs Coordinator
Brittney Hatem PARK PROJECT UPDATE Recreation & Sponsorship Coordinator 12
Jeorge Vega TTENDANCE EGISTRATION Recreation Programs Coordinator 13 A & R
Michael Festa Parks Maintenance Supervisor JANUARY/FEBRUARY CALENDAR 14 Mauricio Narvaez Recreation Facility Supervisor The My Parx app provides park
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2 Mayor & Council Members
Mayor Luigi Boria Councilwoman Vice Mayor Councilman Councilwoman Sandra Ruiz Christi Fraga Pete Cabrera Ana Maria Rodriguez Parks & Facilities Doral Meadow Park Morgan Levy Park
11555 NW 58 Street 5300 NW 102 Avenue (305) 593-6606 (305) 482-9590 Features: 14 acres, 5 tennis Features: 14 acres, 2 lighted courts, 4 basketball courts, 2 baseball fields, 2 artificial turf artificial turf lighted soccer soccer/football fields, a shaded fields, 2 sand volleyball courts, & lighted playground, a 30x30 fitness trails, 5 pavilions, and a pavilion, an exercise path and shaded playground concession building.
Veterans Park Downtown Doral Park
10190 NW 33 Street 8395 NW 53 Street Features: 1.3 acres, Features: 3 acres, playground, Veterans Memorial, shaded walkway, and shaded picnic playground, picnic tables, tables. ATTENDANCE & REGISTRATION paved walkway.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY CALENDAR Doral Central Park Trails & Tails Park
3000 NW 87 Avenue 11645 NW 50 Street Features: 82 acres, .9 mile Features: 8 acres, small & jogging / walking trail, large dog area, shaded exercise stations, BBQ grills, playground, dog-friendly water picnic tables and a 21 acre fountains, dog wash area, and lake. Memory Lane.
To stay informed with all upcoming events, information, programming & for a list of all our Park hours visit: www.cityofdoral.com/parks
www.cityofdoral.com/parks Winter 2015 Parks & Recreation 3 SIGNATURE EVENTS BREAKFAST WITH SANTA The annual “Breakfast with Santa” event was held on Saturday, December 5, 2015, at a new location this year. This year, the event was held at the Downtown Doral Charter Elementary School from 9:00-11:00am with an attendance of over 400 patrons, a 60% increase from last year!
Families were able to enjoy the morning having breakfast and taking pictures with San- ta. About mid-way through the event, the DDCE Cheerleaders provided a special performance. Parents and audience members cheered in excitement, as they clapped along and photographed the performance!
Throughout the event, there were several holiday themed activities to partake in, such as getting face paintings, balloon art, visiting the holiday arts and crafts table, and more! There also had the chance to listen to Mrs. Clause read magical stories in the Storytime room.
Overall, it was a great event to open up the Holiday season and spread some Holiday cheer!
PARK & TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
This year, the signature “Park & Tree Lighting” was held on Monday, December 7, 2015 beginning at 6:00pm at Downtown Doral Park. The City’s Christmas tree, located in the rotunda in front of the Government Center, stands beautiful and tall at 30 feet in height! 1,500 patrons enjoyed the evening with live festive musical performances, fun activities, and most importantly, watched the tree light up! The Mayor and Councilmembers said a few brief words and started the count down to the tree lighting! “...5…4…3…2…1!” and the beautiful tree was lit! It was a wonderful event full of holiday festivities!
Children were able to write a letter to Santa, and drop it off in the Doral Holiday Mailbox, or go inside the Government Center to take a picture with Santa himself!
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT MENORAH LIGHTING CEREMONY
The following evening, the City hosted the “Light Up the Night” event, a heartwarming Menorah Lighting Ceremony which also honors all of our first responders during the holiday season. The event was held on the 2nd night of Hanukkah, in the lobby of the Doral Government Center at 6:30pm. The ceremony was led by Rabbi Avrohom Brashevitzky. A stunning 9-foot electric menorah was placed adjacent to the main staircase located at the center of the lobby which made for a beautiful focal point. On the opposite side of the staircase, a table was placed with the traditional oil-burning menorah. Individual candles were handed out to the estimated 50 people in attendance.
Students from Ronald Reagan Senior High School played traditional Hanukkah music live during the ceremony. After the Rabbi’s closing statements, patrons were invited to enjoy kosher donuts and take a free toy for the children! It was a beautiful night of unity and recognition of those who keep us safe.
4 Parks & Recreation Winter 2015 www.cityofdoral.com/parks HOLIDAY LIGHTS & ICE
The signature “Holiday Lights & Ice” event was held at Doral Central Park beginning at 6:00pm on Friday, December 11, 2015. This holiday-themed carnival, that attracted about 9,000 patrons, was full of exciting activities for families, and children of all ages! The carnival hosted 15 rides for children up to 12 years of age, and four snow piles that were divided into age groups. There was also plenty of food for all to enjoy from delicious food vendors and food trucks. Children had the opportunity to get their face painted, and take a picture with Santa! There were performances going on during the event from local businesses, including vocal and dance performances from Doral schools children’s choirs, and our very own Special Needs dance group, “Feel the Beat”!
CAMPING UNDER THE STARS
On Friday, January 29, 2015, the Camping Under the Stars event kicked off at 5:00pm where an estimated 2,500 patrons gathered to set up their camp sites and enjoy all the fun-filled activities offered throughout the night. Campers were thrilled to spend the evening under the moonlit sky at Doral Central Park. Patrons had the opportunity to climb the rock-climbing wall; visit the Frost Museum of Science tent and participate in neat science experiments; and stop by the wild animal encounter tents to hold or pet animals like otters, alligators, lemurs, parrots, and foxes!
At 8:30pm the feature film, Disney’s Aladdin, was displayed on a larger-than-life inflatable movie screen that stood 3-stories high! Immediately following the movie, attendees were asked to join the Boy Scouts by the campfire for the Flag Retirement Ceremony. The following morning, the Boy Scouts performed the Reveille wake-up call at 7:00am. Once awake, campers began to gather their belongings and had the opportunity to enjoy breakfast.
CULTURAL EVENTS ART KNIGHTS AT DOWNTOWN DORAL PARK PRESENTS FORBIDDEN SAINTS
The third Art Knights event, Forbidden Saints Live in Concert at Downtown Doral Park, joined by the Miami Symphony Orchestra for a special opening performance was held on January The grandiose stage was set on the north end of the park, which featured the beautiful Micco as the open-air background. The concert opened up with opening statements by the Mayor and Council, who welcomed the audience, and brought the Miami Symphony Orchestra (MiSO) maestro, Eduardo Maturet, to the stage. The performance was outstanding, and featured songs like Disney’s Sleeping Beauty’s “Once upon a Dream”, and a fantastic closing performance of John William’s “Star Wars” theme.
After a 30 minute intermission, the headliners of the night, Forbidden Saints, took the stage with an exciting performance that brought everyone to their feet! Their musical sounds were a fusion of Latin, flamenco, Caribbean, with a unique incorporation of a harp. The five musicians were exceptionally entertaining. They interacted with the crowd and asked them to come up out of the chairs and to dance right in front of the stage. It was truly a beautiful and unforgettable evening!
www.cityofdoral.com/parks Winter 2015 Parks & Recreation 5 OTHER EVENTS PLAY DAY Each year the City applies for the “Playful City USA Community Champion” Recognition, which is a program that honors cities and towns across the country for taking bold steps that make it easy for all kids to get the balance and active play they need to thrive. This year would make the sixth consecutive year we’ve received the recognition. To celebrate the recognition and promote play, the City hosts the annual Play Day Event. This year, the event was held on Saturday, February 6, 2016, held at Doral Meadow Park from 11:00am – 2:00pm with an estimated 2,500 patrons in attendance.
Throughout the day, children of all ages had several exciting activities to choose from! They had the opportunity to play soccer in the demonstration area provided by Doral Soccer Club, jump around in the bounce house, test their athletic skills in the obstacle courses, get their face painted, and play mini golf. Parents were also encouraged to visit the sponsor booths, where they were able to get information about extra-curricular activities for their children to get involved in! Overall, it was a very successful event, which continually promoted a deeper understanding of the importance of play and engaging patrons!
DR. SEUSS’ BIRTHDAY PARTY
On Saturday, February 27, 2016, the City of Doral hosted Dr. Seuss 112th Birthday Party event from 11:00am – 2:00pm. This year, the event was held at a new location, Downtown Doral Charter Elementary School. Over 400 patrons were in attendance, and were able to enjoy the beautiful day with an array of activities throughout the event. Activities comprised of a theatre show, a magical storyteller, and a reading corner provided by the Miami Dade County Public Library.
Following the performances from Fantasy Factory Theatre and Merlina the magical storyteller, The Lorax and the Cat in the Hat were brought up to the stage, and together along with the children, the Dr. Seuss “Reading Oath” was recited. Children made the pledge to devote more time to reading books.
The crowd then began to sing “Happy Birthday” to Dr. Seuss, which was followed by delicious cupcakes and pink lemonade! It was a fantastic, fun-filled event which spread the joy of read- ing to children and adults of all ages!
MOVIES AT THE PARK
Movies at the Park is settling into its new home at Downtown Doral Park. Patrons are raving about the picturesque backdrops, easily accessible bathrooms, delicious food vendors, and great movies deep in the heart of Downtown Doral. A Christmas Story, Minions, Muppets: Most Wanted, and The Karate Kid were the featured films in December, January, February, and March, respectively, averaging 400 attendees.
Movies at the Park will take a long break during the hot summer months and return for its 2016-17 series in November 2016!
6 Parks & Recreation Winter 2015 www.cityofdoral.com/parks SILVER CLUB TRIPS & TOURS The Silver Club visited several great locations all throughout South Florida in June and July. Trips included visits the Casablanca Restaurant, Freedom Tower, Cauley Square Tea Room, and more! These trips averaged up to 20 participants.
Biscayne Bay Boat Tour West Side Story Marlins Park Tour BINGO NIGHTS The Silver Club Bingo Nights continue to grow in popularity. These evenings full of fun, refreshments, and friends, averaged 53 participants during the period.
Halloween Theme Valentines Day Theme St. Patrick’s Day Theme
Thanksgiving Theme
THANKSGIVING TURKEY DINNER & SOCIAL
www.cityofdoral.com/parks Winter 2015 Parks & Recreation 7 YOUTH & ADULT SPORTS YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE The Youth Basketball League Spring 2016 season began on Saturday, February 6th, 2016. This season, there are a total of 264 participants, 28 teams, and 35 coaches. We have successfully held a skills and drills clinic, sponsored by I’m Possible Training, for our coaches and participants of the league. Currently, the league is three weeks into the season and the excitement cannot be any more evident. From the opening tip-off, players, coaches, and parents alike have demonstrated a great level of passion for the game of basketball.
YOUTH TRAVEL BASKETBALL Last year marked the first year that Travel Basketball was introduced into the City of Doral’s Parks & Recreation Department’s sports resources. While the idea was rather new, the Travel Basketball season proved to be an overall success. Through continuous efforts, dedication, and an abundance of support, the players of both teams were able to improve both individually and as a whole.
To conclude the season, the 11 and under team came out first place in their division! All teams, coaches, players, and parents were awarded with an End-of-the Year Picnic. Here, players on each team were recognized with both trophies and medals as well as provided with food and refreshments. In all, the Travel Basketball era has begun and everyone cannot be more anxious to see how it will grow as years continue to progress.
ADULT SOCCER LEAGUE
The City of Doral’s Adult Soccer League was home to 14 teams with an approximate total of 240 participants. Games were held at Doral Meadow Park Wednesday and Thursday nights and Sunday mornings each week. Many of our teams had semi-pro players from around the world who have competed on a national level. This lead to some exciting soccer to watch week after week. The season ran from January to March giving all teams an opportunity to compete for our coveted championship cup. Team EPN FC were the victors this year! Can’t wait to see what next season brings!
Youth Basketball League Lady Broncos Youth Basketball League
8 Parks & Recreation Winter 2015 www.cityofdoral.com/parks YOUTH PROGRAMS
STORY TIME On January 12th, February 8th, and March 14th, 20 children ages 1-5 years old and their parents experienced an hour of magical storytelling and engaging sing-alongs at Morgan Levy Park. There are two more chance to catch Story Time before we break for summer! The last two Story Time dates will be held Monday, April 11th and Monday, May 9th from 10:30-11:30am at Morgan Levy Park Community Center. See you there!
TEACHER PLANNING DAY CAMP
A total of 50+ campers attended each Teacher Planning Day Camps on January 25th and February 16th. Campers participated in a variety of activities during the camps including arts and crafts, martial arts, and fitness classes (Jazzercise and Zumba). The campers also got to experience a different type of physical activity by trying their skills on an inflatable obstacle course which challenged their agility, speed and strength. We have one more Teacher Planning Day camp this school year scheduled for April 8th. We hope to see you there!
SMART START The Start Smart Flag Football program took place at Doral Meadow Park from January through February 2016. This program is for boys and girls ages 3-5 and teaches the basics of the sport of flag football. Parents are also invited and encouraged to participate to help enhance the child’s experience. We had ten participants and an amazing group of parents who took advantage of spending time with their children in a safe and fun atmosphere.
Art & Music Lesson Smart Start Story Time Teacher Planning Day Camp
www.cityofdoral.com/parks Winter 2015 Parks & Recreation 9 TEEN PROGRAMMING COLLEGE READINESS SEMINAR The City of Doral hosted its College Readiness Seminar on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Morgan Levy Park. This seminar is designed to give students and parents valuable information on various topics regarding college preparation. Topics include items such as the application process, financial aid, choosing the right schools, and SAT / ACT testing tidbits. In addition, the seminar provides a space for local schools to attend and interact with those who may be interested. Miami-Dade College West, FIU, Carlos Albizu University, and West Coast University were all present to answer questions and offer campus visits. In all, approximately 30 student and parents attended this informational seminar and left with a better understanding of the next step in education. JOB INTERVIEW SKILLS SEMINAR The City of Doral’s TEEN Program offered a Job Interview Skills Seminar for young adults who may be interested in sharpening their interviewing skills. Whether it’s a temporary summer job or the first step in the career of their choosing, this seminar is designed to cover to “do’s and don’ts” of job interviewing. A fun and informational event, this interactive seminar consists of pop quizzes and mock interviews for participants can truly understand the how to conduct themselves before, during and after an interview. The seminar was held at Morgan Levy Park on Friday, February 26, 2016.
SPECIAL NEEDS SPECIAL OLYMPICS MIAMI-DADE COUNTY BASKETBALL COMPEITIONS Twenty-eight Doral Special Olympics athletes competed in the Special Olympics Miami-Dade County Basketball Competitions which were held between November 23 and December 9. Our two Unified basketball teams played very well with our Sunbursts A team finishing in second place and our Sunbursts B team finishing in fourth place in their respective divisions. Our younger Team Skills Team came out on top in their competition playing exceptionally well. The City of Doral was also represented by four Individual Skills athletes, one of whom finished in first place.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS MIAMI-DADE AREA BASKETBALL COMPETITIONS The Doral Unified Sunbursts A team, the Team Skills Team and our first place Individual Skills athlete advanced to compete in the Special Olympics Area Basketball competition which was held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the University of Miami. The Team Skills Team finished fourth in their division while the Sunbursts A team came out victorious after two intense games.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA STATE BASKETBALL COMPEITION The Sunbursts A team went on to compete at the Special Olympics State Basketball competition which was held at The Big House in Tavares, Florida on January 29-30. The team played an exciting first game winning convincingly and narrowly lost the championship game bringing home the silver medal.
0 10 Parks & Recreation Winter 2015 www.cityofdoral.com/parks
ANNUAL APPRECIATION CEREMONY
The Doral Special Olympics Annual Appreciation Ceremony was held on Thursday, December 10 at Intercontinental at Doral Miami. It was a fabulous event where athletes, family members and friends celebrated the close of another successful year for the Doral Special Olympics Team. Following a delicious dinner and beautiful slideshow, athletes were presented with awards for their participation in various sports throughout the year. The rest of the evening was spent celebrating on the dance floor with family and friends.
FEEL THE BEAT! AT HOLIDAY LIGHTS & ICE
On Friday, December 11, participants of the City of Doral’s Feel the Beat Special Needs Dance Program gave a wonderful performance at the City of Doral’s Holiday Lights and Ice Event which was held at Doral Central Park. The group, led by dance instructor, Aida Ubeto, entertained spectators with their routine which was performed to a latin flavored, ‘Feliz Navidad.’
SOCCER CLINIC WITH DORAL SOCCER CLUB
On the weekend of February 21st and 22nd, twenty-one athletes and three Unified Partners from the City of Doral Special Olympics Team attended a Soccer Clinic hosted by the Doral Soccer Club at Morgan Levy Park. Under the guidance of Doral Soccer Club coaches, the athletes participated in a variety of skills which focused on improving their technique and coordination. Doral Soccer Club also had one of their teams at the location to play a friendly scrimmage with our Special Olympics Unified team giving the athletes some great practice in game situations. A wonderful time was had by all who participated.
COUNTY SOCCER COMPEITIONS Nine athletes from the City of Doral’s Special Olympics Team recently participated in the Special Olympics Florida Miami-Dade County Soccer Individual Skills competitions which were held on March 8th and 10th at Tamiami Park. Everyone did very well in their dribbling, shooting and run and shoot events and five athletes finished in first place in their divisions. We look forward with anticipation to the Special Olympics Area Soccer Competition which is scheduled to take place on April 2nd.
State Fall Classic Area Softball Skills Marlins Park Game Golf States
www.cityofdoral.com/parks Winter 2015 Parks & Recreation 11 MEET YOUR EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH RECIPIENTS The Employee of the Month program recognizes Parks & Recreation Department part-time employees who demonstrate the very best in teamwork, customer service, and going above and beyond the call of duty. Their efforts will continue to make the City of Doral’s parks and programs the friendliest, safest, and cleanest in the region. Congratulations to all our employees of the month! Keep up the great work!
November 2015
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? If so, what is it? A: Felix the Cat or Lightbulb
Q: What would you sing at Karaoke night? A: Twenty-One Pilots—We don’t believe what’s on TV
Q: What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? A: Soccer!
Q: What is your favorite thing about your job? Felix Llanes A: Helping out with events Parks Service Aide December 2015 Q: Have you ever had a nickname? If so, what is it? A: No.
Q: What would you sing at Karaoke night? A: Romantic Music.
Q: What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? A: Baseball.
Q: What is your favorite thing about your job? Luis Hernandez Lopez A: Working with my hands. Parks Service Aide January 2016 Q: Have you ever had a nickname? If so, what is it? A: Chevy
Q: What would you sing at Karaoke night? A: My Girl—The Temptations
Q: What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? A: To watch, football. To play, basketball.
Anthony Chevalier Q: What is your favorite thing about your job? Recreation Service Aide A: I love being able to coach basketball and work with the public.
12 Parks & Recreation Winter 2015 www.cityofdoral.com/parks ATTENDANCE & REGISTRATION
Program Attendance (November-January) Adult Classes Special Needs Zumba 116 Special Olympics 881 Yoga @ Doral Central Park 82 Feel the Beat! 77 Jazzercise 102 Youth Classes Silver Club Classes Pre-Ballet 96 Tai-Chi 220 Jr. Jazzercise 66 Jazzercise Lite 480
Art Classes TOTAL 2,169 Artsy Art 49
Tennis Attendance
Little Tennis 71
Jr. Beginners 122
Jr. Intermediates 94
Adv. Jr. Intermediates 32 November—January Park Attendance Jr. Advanced 32 November ‘15 December ‘15 January ‘16 TOTAL Adults 94 Doral Meadow Park 10,227 7,655 10,620 28,502 Adult Advanced 25 Morgan Levy Park 16,304 13,342 15,755 45,401 Senior Tennis 21
Trails & Tails Park 3,663 5,191 4,634 13,488 TOTAL 491 TOTAL 30,194 26,188 31,004 87,391
Morgan Levy Park Joint-Use Agreements School Facility Activity Days Times Eugene B. Thomas K-8 Doral Meadow Park P.E. Classes Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. John I. Smith Elementary Morgan Levy Park Recess Mon.-Fri. 12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m. Divine Savior Academy Morgan Levy Park Tennis Practice Tues. & Thurs. 3:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. John I. Smith Elementary Morgan Levy Park Basketball/Soccer Practice Mon.-Fri. 4:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m. Doral Academy Charter Doral Meadow park Soccer Wed. & Fri. 3:30 p.m.—5:00 p.m.
www.cityofdoral.com/parks Winter 2015 Parks & Recreation 13 May 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 National Bike to 5 National Day of Prayer 6 7 Schools Day Mother’s Day Retro Show 7:30pm
8 Mother’s Day 9 Storytime 10:30am 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
TEEN Sand Volleyball Spring Programs Session Tournament 6:00pm Ends
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Summer A & B Program Registration Opens
29 30 Memorial Day 31
Morgan Levy Park Community Center Weekly Scheduled Programs
Sun Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Zumba 9 –10am Adv. Tai-Chi 9-10am Zumba 9-10am Adv. Tai-Chi 9-10am Just You & Me 10:30-11:30am
Simanof Orchestra Beginners Tai Chi 10-11am Jazzercise LITE 10-11am Jazzercise LITE 10-11am Simanof Orchestra
4-7pm 4-7pm Silver Club Social Hour Feel the Beat! Pre-Ballet 4:30-5:15pm
Tiny Athletes 10am-2pm 5-6pm Dance Minis 5:15-6pm
4:30-5:30pm
Pre-Ballet 4:30-5:15pm Jr. Jazzercise 6-7pm Dance Juniors 6-6:45pm
Jr. Jazzercise 6-7pm Dance Minis 5:15-6pm Jazzercise 7-8 pm Artsy Art 6-7pm
Jazzercise 7-8pm Dance Juniors 6-6:45pm
Core Yoga 7-8pm Silver Club Social Hour Code Explorers 6:30-8pm 7-9pm
Zumba 8-9pm Zumba 8-9pm
14 Parks & Recreation Winter 2015 www.cityofdoral.com/parks June 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4
5 6 Summer A Session 7 8 9 Last Day of School 10 11 Begins
12 13 Summer Camps 14 Flag Day 15 16 17 18 Begin
19 Father’s Day 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
Doral Meadow Park Morgan Levy Park Downtown Doral Charter Elementary
Downtown Doral Park Trails & Tails Park Veterans Park
Doral Central Park Southern Command Doral Government Center
www.cityofdoral.com/parks Winter 2015 Parks & Recreation 15 For event information, please visit our website at www.cityofdoral.com/parks